Not medical advice. This guide is general purchasing information only.
Short answer: Stockinette and cast padding are two different underlayers, and you need both in every width you cast in. Stockinette is the thin tubular sleeve that goes against the skin so the cast can be removed cleanly; padding is the softer, thicker roll that cushions the limb between skin and casting tape. For purchasing, the practical moves are simple: match underlayer widths one step below your casting-tape widths, favor polyester rolls if your clinic runs mostly synthetic casts, and set par levels from your own weekly application count — because underlayers are consumed faster than the tape itself and running out mid-cast is the most common complaint on this shelf.
What each layer does
| Stockinette | Cast padding / undercast padding | |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Thin continuous sleeve rolled onto the limb first; the skin-side layer. | Cushioning wrap applied over the stockinette, before the casting tape. |
| Example we stock | Delta-Net® Black Synthetic Compression Stockinette, 3 in x 25 yd — synthetic fibers, soft conformability, easy-to-use dispensing box. | McKesson White Polyester Cast Padding, 4 in x 4 yd — works with any type of casting material, helps keep casts drier, porous so skin can breathe, easy to tear, disposable, one-time use. |
| Another stocked option | Typical stockinette widths run from 2 to 6 in across the category; ask us which widths are available. | 3M™ White Polyester Undercast Cast Padding, 6 in x 4 yd — spun Dacron polyester, helps reduce water retention for a drier cast, conforms easily, usable with all casting materials, plaster and synthetic. |
| Material notes | Synthetic (polyester) stockinettes are described for wicking action and fast drying; cotton versions are described as holding dressings with light pressure. | Polyester padding is described as non-irritating and breathable; a specialty undercast padding (Artiflex®) is described as nonabsorbent so its cushioning is not compromised in humid conditions. |
| Packaging | 25-yard rolls in dispenser boxes. | 4-yard rolls, torn by hand. |
No product here is described as equivalent to another brand's stockinette or padding, and we do not treat them as interchangeable — if your clinicians name a brand, buy that brand.
How to choose
Match widths to your casting tape, one step down. A widely used purchasing rule is to run underlayers slightly narrower than the casting tape so edges get covered without bulk: 2-in stockinette and padding under 3-in tape for small limbs, 3-in under 4-in tape for larger work. That is a stocking heuristic, not manufacturer instruction; your clinician decides what goes on a limb.
Choose polyester padding as the default if you cast synthetically. The McKesson polyester padding is described as working with any casting material and helping keep casts drier, and the 3M undercast padding makes the same breathable, plaster-or-synthetic claim — so polyester covers both shelves without splitting your SKU list. Keep a small quantity of the specialty nonabsorbent padding only if you actually bandage for the conditions it describes.
Buy dispenser boxes for the high-rotation widths. Both the Delta-Net® stockinette and the padding lines come in easy-tear or dispensing-box formats, which is what keeps rolls from shredding in a busy drawer.
Decide color only if it matters to you. Black compression stockinette versus white undercast stockinette is an appearance and workflow-preference question; the product descriptions cover the fibers and conformability, not a clinical difference.
How much to stock
Underlayers are the volume items. For one average adult forearm cast, expect the limb circumference, number of padding layers and 4-yard roll length to determine consumption together — so count it yourself rather than trusting anyone's table. A reliable method: log rolls used for ten consecutive applications, divide to get rolls-per-application by limb size, multiply by your weekly cast volume, and add a one-week safety buffer. Reorder when you hit two weeks of projected use. Padding moves faster than stockinette, and stockinette moves faster than tape — budget accordingly. Ask us about case quantities and mixed-width cases when you request a quote.
What we stock
- Delta-Net® Black Synthetic Compression Stockinette, 3 in x 25 yd
- McKesson White Polyester Cast Padding, 4 in x 4 yd
- 3Mâ„¢ White Polyester Undercast Cast Padding, 6 in x 4 yd
- Artiflex® White Undercast Padding Bandage, 10 cm x 3 m
- Splints & braces collection
- Rehab clinic supplies collection
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between stockinette and cast padding?
Stockinette is the thin sleeve that goes on the skin first; padding is the cushioning roll wrapped over it. Padding is the conforming, breathable layer and stockinette is the smooth liner — you consume both on every cast.
Is cotton or polyester better for the underlayer?
Product descriptions cover polyester stockinettes for wicking and fast drying with synthetic casting systems, and cotton stockinettes for holding dressings with light pressure. That is a workflow question for your clinicians; our job is keeping both available in the widths you call for.
How many rolls does one cast use?
It depends on limb size, layers and roll length, and no two clinics' protocols match. Count rolls across ten of your own applications and use that number — the method is in the section above.
Why do the padding rolls say disposable?
The McKesson padding is designed for one-time use. Purchasing implication: padding is a consumable with a steady weekly burn, so set reorder points on usage, not on what looks tidy in the cabinet.
Can these be used for veterinary casting?
The same underlayer lines appear in clinic and veterinary supply purchasing lists; animal limb geometry and material choice are set by the treating clinician. For widths beyond what is listed here, call (614) 654-6591.
Not medical advice. This guide is general purchasing information only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and it does not replace the advice of your doctor, nurse or other qualified clinician or the manufacturer's instructions for use. Always follow their guidance for your situation.
